Author/illustrator, child development specialist/educator, Diane provides insight into the world of children's literature through several different perspectives. The goal is to provide high quality literature for children, parents and teachers.

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November 16, 2012

Author, Mirka M.G. Breen, November 16th Reviews

Thanksgiving is next week. I am very grateful to be blogging about two wonderful books from an author who is part of my writing family. These books are by Mirka M.G. Breen. One book is a middle grade novel and the other a Thanksgiving holiday, picture story book. Both books have the qualities that I look for and reflect the personality, skill and creative style of Mirka, who lives by and speaks her mind with authority, in a way that I truly admire. Her creativity, skill, and style make for strong, clear, consistent voice. It's the reason I chose to put them together.

THE VOICE OF THUNDER by Mirka M. G. Breen

Author, Mirka M. G. Breen's debut middle grade novel, THE VOICE OF THUNDER is nothing short of outstanding. THE VOICE OF THUNDER isset in 1967 Jerusalem during the Six-Day War, a lesser known, very important, historical event. The reader is taken on a journey through the heart and soul of ten-year-old Mira Levi. Mirka's voice breathes life into the innocence, fear, and struggle of Mira juxtaposed with her best friend, GiliMoser. Using her own personal experience as a fifth grader living in Jerusalem during this war, Mirka has created authentic and memorable characters that leave the reader yearning to know what will happen next. I found this book insightful and entertaining.

I rate this book, a 5 apple book, outstanding, cream of the crop. Mirka's uses her writing skills, ability to create real and accurate characters, and her first hand knowledge of Jewish history to create a book that is award winning caliber.

THE VOICE OF THUNDER is a 114 page, middle grade novel for both genders, ages 9 through 14. It masterfully captures the innocence and struggle of moving from childhood into adolescence.

The themes in this book are growing up, family, friendship, war and Judaism.

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THERE'S A TURKEY AT THE DOOR by Mirka M.G.Breen

THERE'S A TURKEY AT THE DOOR by author Mirka M.G. Breenis another debut book, in story book format. Published in 2011 and illustrated by Sonya Hallett, this holiday book takes place at Thanksgiving with a family that is vegetarian. Tired of writing about Thanksgiving without turkey, third grade Niles gets a surprise visit from Henrietta. This charming book approaches Thanksgiving from a unique angle. Full of humor, it will delight young and old, vegetarians and carnivores too.

I rate this book, a 4 apple book, a very good book. Mirka does a wonderful creating the characters of Niles and Henrietta and developing their relationship. THERE'S A TURKEY AT THE DOOR is a 24 page picture story book for both genders, ages 4 -9. The age portrayal of Niles is carried out well while Henrietta remains an bird without any anthropomorphism. This is a picture story book which means it has more text than a typical picture book. The themes in the book are Thanksgiving, vegetarianism, acceptance, and friendship. If you would like to learn more about Mirka and her books, you can check out: Mirka's Website. THE VOICE OF THUNDER is available through your local independent book seller, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and the publihser: WiDo. THERE IS A TURKEY AT THE DOOR can be purchased through Amazon or by contacting Mirka through her website. The publisher of this book is unfortunately out of business. There are a limited amount of these wonderful books available.

Thanks so much, Diane, for spotlighting these two books...I have not read either...but will try to remedy that as soon as possible. :)Congratulations, Mirka...I look forward to getting copies...I'm especially interested in the Thanksgiving one...it looks like such an interesting twist on a holiday story.